Vaping & Smoking

The Potential Dangers of Vaping: Exploring the Impact on Your Health

Vaping, the use of e-cigarettes, has gained significant popularity in recent years. However, its safety compared to traditional smoking remains a topic of ongoing research. In this blog, we delve into the effects of smoking and vaping on oral health and overall well-being. Join us as we uncover the potential harms associated with vaping, including passive vaping, and explore ways to quit if you're concerned about its impact.

Smoking Hazards

For years, we've been well aware of the dangers linked to smoking, such as lung and heart diseases. But have you considered the impact on your mouth? Tobacco smoking can have several adverse effects on oral health, including:

1. Increased risk of severe gum disease leading to tooth loss.
2. Higher likelihood of tooth loss compared to non-smokers.
3. Greater risk of mouth cancer.
4. Increased chances of dental implant failure.
5. Dry mouth, which can lead to higher rates of tooth decay and gum disease.
6. Bad breath and unpleasant taste.

Vaping Insights

E-cigarettes emerged in commercial markets around 2006 and have since gained widespread usage. According to the 2019 National Drug Strategy Household Survey, approximately 11% of the population aged over 14 years have tried e-cigarettes. While many individuals turn to vaping as a means to quit traditional smoking, an increasing number of non-smokers have adopted this habit. The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concerns that starting with vaping could serve as a gateway to traditional smoking, as it can lead to nicotine dependence. Consequently, vaping in young people raises significant concerns.

Passive Vaping

Although vaping does not produce smoke like traditional cigarettes, it does generate an aerosol that bystanders can inhale. This aerosol may contain potentially carcinogenic chemicals, including metals, propylene glycol, and formaldehyde. While research on the effects of passive vaping is limited, the WHO advises caution as it can be harmful.

Oral Effects

The use of e-cigarettes can lead to various oral health issues, including:

1. Dry mouth, which can increase the risk of decay and gum disease.
2. Burning sensations and irritation of the mouth lining.
3. Unpleasant taste and bad breath.
4. Pain and oral mucosal lesions (changes in the mouth lining).
5. Black tongue and burns.

Cancer Risk

Propylene glycol, an ingredient found in e-cigarettes, has been listed as a carcinogen by the WHO. Additionally, there are concerns that the heat generated by e-cigarettes can further elevate the risk associated with this chemical. Moreover, e-cigarettes can interact with the tobacco carcinogens found in traditional smoking, leading to a greater risk of cancer for those who use both types of products. However, a study suggests that the oral mucosa of e-cigarette users resembles that of non-smokers more than smokers. It concludes that the risk of oral cancer is higher in traditional tobacco smokers than in those using e-cigarettes, while non-smokers have the lowest risk.

Gum Disease and Decay

Studies have shown that e-cigarette users are twice as likely as non-smokers to experience deteriorating gum health. This includes an increase in plaque, bone loss (affecting the support for teeth), and inflammatory markers. Furthermore, using e-cigarettes poses a risk of complications for dental implants. E-cigarette users also face a higher rate of tooth decay compared to non-users.

Other Health Risks

The presence of nicotine in e-cigarettes elevates the risk of heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cancer. It is also associated with lung injuries and, in some cases, death. Additionally, there have been reported incidents of e-cigarettes causing burns and even explosions in users' mouths.

Debunking Common Myths about Vaping

Let's address some common misconceptions surrounding vaping:

Myth: Vaping is nicotine-free. Fact: Vape liquids may still contain nicotine, even if labeled as nicotine-free. Nicotine is addictive and can harm the developing brain. In Australia, nicotine vaping products require a prescription. Scientific research on ten vaping liquids labeled as "nicotine-free" found that six of them contained nicotine.

Myth: Vaping is safe. Fact: Vaping carries numerous health risks that are not yet fully understood. It can damage lungs, potentially leading to severe conditions like EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping Associated Lung Injury). Vaping may also increase the risk of oral cancer and periodontal disease.

Myth: We know the effects of vaping on health. Fact: Our understanding of vaping's effects on health remains incomplete. Extensive research is necessary to comprehensively understand how vaping impacts our well-being.

Quitting Vaping

Quitting smoking, regardless of age, offers numerous benefits. Consider the following tips if you're looking to quit vaping:

1. Seek assistance from your general practitioner (GP).
2. Explore resources like www.icanquit.com.au, a valuable tool to aid in quitting.
3. Visit QuitHQ for additional support.

Remember, taking steps to quit vaping can have a positive impact on your health and overall well-being.